A staffer for Democratic Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey was hit with drug trafficking costs after authorities intercepted eight kilograms of cocaine being delivered to a state workplace constructing.
LaMar Cook dinner, who has served as deputy director of Healey’s western Massachusetts workplace since 2023, was charged with trafficking over 200 grams of cocaine, illegal possession of a firearm, and illegal possession of ammunition associated to the bust, Hampden District Lawyer Anthony Gulluni introduced Wednesday.
A number of parcels containing about 21 kilograms of cocaine have been seized by Massachusetts State Police all through the investigation into Cook dinner.
Cook dinner was arrested throughout a Tuesday site visitors cease, three days after authorities performed a “managed supply operation” of eight kilos of coke to the Springfield State Workplace Constructing, the place the Healey staffer labored.
His arrest can also be linked to parcels seized on the Lodge UMass in Amherst, the place Cook dinner was beforehand employed, containing about 13 kilos of the drug.
“Proof collected throughout that operation was in keeping with the narcotics recovered throughout the newest managed supply in Springfield,” Gulluni mentioned.
Cook dinner, 45, was arraigned Wednesday in Springfield District Courtroom and pleaded not responsible. His bail was set at $25,000.
“Because the Western Massachusetts Director for Governor Maura Healey, I function a key liaison between the state authorities and the western area of Massachusetts,” the LinkedIn bio for the suspected cocaine trafficker reads.
“On this function, I successfully handle and coordinate authorities initiatives and insurance policies in 4 counties.”
Cook dinner was fired from his publish within the governor’s administration after his arrest, a spokesperson for Healy mentioned.
“The governor’s workplace has been made conscious of the arrest of an worker, Lamar Cook dinner. The conduct that occurred right here is unacceptable and represents a serious breach of the general public belief,” the Healey rep mentioned in an announcement to Boston 25 Information.
“Mr. Cook dinner has been terminated from his place efficient instantly,” the assertion continued. “This legal investigation is ongoing, and our administration will work with legislation enforcement to help them of their work.”
Two Republicans difficult Healey for the Massachusetts governorship in 2026 slammed her after the cocaine bust.
“Healey has misplaced management of each side of her administration,” Mike Kennealy, a Republican former state official, wrote on X. “After I’m Governor, we’ll clear up the mess that Maura Healey created.”
“A high aide to Gov. Maura Healey is a drug trafficker. That is past surprising,” Brian Shortsleeve, the previous head of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, wrote on X. “This can be a reflection not simply on our governor and her failed management and administration expertise, however on our total state, and we shouldn’t tolerate it.
“Gov. Healey owes Massachusetts an evidence.”
Healey’s workplace didn’t instantly reply to The Put up’s request for remark.
